Here are the steps taken in a typical Catholic marriage ceremony:
Introductory Rites
Entrance Rite: The congregation stands, an
entrance hymn is sung, and the priest and
his altar servers will make their way to the
altar, followed by the wedding party (groom
best man, etc)
Greeting: The priest greets the assembly
Penitential Rite: The priest invites everyone
in the congregation to repent of their sins,
and leads in doing this.
Singing of Gloria: This does not take place
during Lent or Advent. The Gloria song is
sung after the penitential rite.
Opening Prayer: The priest invites everyone
to pray, and then says one of the many
possible prayers for the bride and groom.
Then, the congregation is seated.
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading: The first reading from the Old
Testament is read, then the lector says. 
The Word of the Lord and the response is:
Thanks be to God
Responsorial song: The choir sings a psalm,
and the assembly sings a response
The Second Reading: The second reading is
read, from the New Testament. After, the lector
says "The Word of the Lord and the
response is Thanks Be To God.
Gospel Acclamation: Someone leads the
congregation in the gospel acclamation which
is normally Alleluia, except during Lent. Then,
a different acclamation is sung.
Gospel: The gospel is proclaimed by the priest,
and when he is finished he says "The
Gospel of the Lord and the response is Praise
To You Lord Jesus Christ
Homily: The priest reads a homily from the
Scripture readings, and he talks about the dignity
that love from a catholic union brings, the grace
of the sacrament, and the responsibilities of a
married couple
Rite of Marriage
Address and intentions statement: Everyone
stands. The priest will ask both the bride and
groom to state their intentions of faithfulness
to one another
Exchange of Vows and Consent: The priest
asks the couple to declare their intent to marry,
and to exchange their vows.
The Lighting of the Unity Candle: The parents
light the candle for the couple and it symbolizes
their life until now. It also is a representation of
their new life together
Exchanging of the Wedding Rings and Blessing:
After the priest blesses the wedding rings, the
groom first places a ring on the bride's finger,
an then the bride places a ring on the groom finger
The Prayers of the Faithful: Someone offers
a prayer, and the congregation's response is
Lord Hear Our Prayer.
Profession of Faith: If the Catholic ceremony occurs
on a holy day, or a Sunday, the congregation will
recite the Creed, We believe in one God
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Gifts: Everyone sits and sings
the Offeratory song while the gifts of bread and
wine (Jesus' body and blood) are brought to the
altar, and the altar is prepared. Then the priest
says the prayer Pray, my brothers and sisters,
that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God,
the almighty Father" and the assembly
stands
Eucharistic Prayer: The priest prays the Eucharistic
prayer, and thecongregation sings three aclamations.
Catholic members of your wedding guests
may receive the holy Communion
Concluding Rite
The Lord's Prayer: The Lord's prayer is read
Final Blessing: The couple and the congregation
is blessed once more by the priest
Recessional: The wedding march is sung, the
procession leaves, first the priest and the altar helpers,
followed by the wedding party. The couple goes last. |
